City seeks ban on ‘Superbad’ over bogus ‘McLovin’ ID

The city asked Wal-Mart Stores Inc. yesterday to stop selling packages of the "Superbad" DVD movie that contain a copy of a fake Hawaii driver's license featured in the comedy.

Officials said they have notified local authorities and even the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, fearing minors might use the plastic cards to buy alcohol or drive vehicles.

"It concerns us because it may encourage unlawful activities," said Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "We love publicity and promotion but not this kind."

Wal-Mart spokesman Lorenzo Lopez said the company became aware of the city's concern yesterday.

"We'll look into the matter immediately," he said, declining to elaborate on whether the retailer would comply with the city's request to stop selling the promotional cards.

In the movie, produced by Sony Pictures, teenagers use the fake ID with the name "McLovin" to try to buy alcohol for a senior high school party. A message left with Sony yesterday was not immediately returned.

Jeff Coelho, city director of the Department of Customer Services, said the card sold with the DVD could be modified with a printer to look like a real ID.

"You'd have something that is really close and similar to our official driver's license," he said. "But when you do that, you would be breaking the law."

Using a false driver's license is a misdemeanor punished by up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in prison, Hannemann said. Forging a license is a Class B felony that could lead to a $25,000 fine or up to 10 years in prison, he said.